I'm going to get a Rem 1858 New Army Revolver, from Cabela's, they are on sale. What size mold do I need to get? Or do I need to slug the gun when I get it? I have read a 0.454 ball will work. How well does Pietta? make there barrels? I guess what I'm asking, is what size mold do I need? Plus is there any thing else I need? Primers, I know, but what size? And powder? What works good? And does wheel weight lead make good bullets? Hey, thanks! This will be my first C&B gun. I will like to get a matchlock one day, that will be cool. Thanks again! Matt

Hawg

February 5, 2011, 07:52 PM

.454 works best. Lee molds are great and inexpensive. #10 caps. Stick on wheel weights make good balls but clip on weights are too hard. Real black if you can get it Pyrodex if you cant

joyrock

February 5, 2011, 07:58 PM

Real black? Like black powder? Like GOEX? I have read loads should be about 25-30 gr for a 125gr ball, is that right?

napp

February 5, 2011, 08:21 PM

I just bought the same gun from Cabela's in December. I use .454 balls, Remington #11 caps, and 20 grains of Triple 7 FFFG. I also use Cabela's lubed wads between the powder and the ball. It all works well for me. I haven't had the gun long enough to try other combinations; so I can't honestly tell you my choices are better than others.

You're gonna like the gun. :D

Delmar

February 5, 2011, 08:26 PM

+1 On the 454 balls but mine likes #10 caps better than #11

arcticap

February 5, 2011, 10:20 PM

The .451 balls do work fine in the Piettas and will shave lead.
However if pure lead isn't used with a .454 ball mold then they will be cast over size which can cause more loading difficulty than necessary.

Hawg

February 5, 2011, 10:39 PM

However if pure lead isn't used with a .454 ball mold then they will be cast over size which can cause more loading difficulty than necessary.

It's not that they're cast oversize. Harder lead doesn't shrink as much when it cools. Stick on weights are 99.5% pure lead. Plenty soft enough for bp.

+1 On the 454 balls but mine likes #10 caps better than #11

Most do.

Hellgate

February 6, 2011, 09:06 PM

When you guys say #10 caps you need to specify brand. There is a huge difference in cap fit between the Remington #10 and the ubiquitous CCI#10 (the CCI being smaller & harder to seat).

I've never even seen a CCI #10. All I can get are Remingtons and all the #11's I can get are CCI.

Acerdog

February 6, 2011, 10:25 PM

Just bought a 1858 rem with 5.5" barrel thursday stopped in to cabalas on the way home from work. It's my first BP revolver can't wait to shoot it.

Other toys
50cal kentucky pistol
50cal plainsman side lock rifle

Hellgate

February 6, 2011, 11:21 PM

I've got about 18 (at last count) C&Bs in 36 & 44 cal. All being revolvers of various makes (ASM & Pietta Colts, Uberti Walkers, Uberti & Euroarms Remingtons). Most have the stock nipples but some have the Uncle Mike's/Butler Creek or the Track Of the Wolf stainless nipples. Half the guns take the CCI#11 and the other half take the RWS#1075 but ALL OF THEM take the Remington #10.